Las SME brands gain share in neighborhood stores compared to the leading brands, driven by price differences that reach up to 68% in some products. A survey by Noticias Argentinas identified important gaps in food and everyday consumption items, in a context of greater consumer sensitivity when purchasing.
Among the products surveyed, a package of kneaded noodles with egg costs $4,200 in its top brand version, while an alternative from a small company is available for $1,350. The difference represents a saving of 67,9%.
Significant gaps were also recorded in other areas:
- Artisan type bread of 500 grams: $6,500 in top brands and $2,900 in SME alternatives, 55.4% less.
- Toilet paper from four rolls of 80 meters: $5,800 versus $3,900, a difference of 32.8%.
- 330 gram water cookies: $2,300 versus $1,500, 34.8% less.
Consumers prioritize prices
Fernando Savore, representative of the Federation of Storekeepers of the Province of Buenos Aires, explained to Noticias Argentinas that small companies manage to maintain more competitive values, while large brands apply increases more frequently.
As an example, he indicated that the price lists of top brand dairy products accumulated increases of 8% during the last three monthswhile SMEs maintained more stable values.
The leader also described a change in customer behavior. According to what he said, the supplier of an SME brand of dairy bread replenishes merchandise three times a week in his business, while the distributor of a leading brand makes weekly deliveries of considerably smaller quantities.
“Today Doña Rosa does not focus so much on the brand, she looks for the price,” said Savore. In addition, he pointed out that consumers try cheaper alternatives and, when they are satisfied with their quality, they choose them again.
What consumption indicators show
According to the latest Scentia report, traditional kiosks and stores maintained their sales volumes in September compared to the same month in 2025. The result contrasted with the falls in general mass consumption (-1.2%), chain supermarkets (-2.6%), independent self-service stores (-3.7%) and wholesalers (-3.4%).
However, in the first nine months of the year, local businesses recorded an accumulated decrease in 2,4%compared to a 2.7% contraction of total mass consumption.
For its part, the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME) indicated that more than 78% of the population changed their purchasing habitswith a greater search for second brands, own brands and economic formats.
The October retail sales survey also showed a 3.5% year-on-year drop in food and beverages, although it highlighted the growing preference for lesser-known and lower-priced products.
Salvador Femenia, representative of CAME, told Noticias Argentinas that the migration towards second and third brands has been observed since approximately 2022, in parallel with the fall in food consumption. He also highlighted that numerous small businesses produce good quality food at more affordable prices.
Along the same lines, the report Consumer Outlook 2027 from NielsenIQ revealed that the 50% of Argentine consumers It went from well-known brands to cheaper options, compared to the 41% registered in Latin America. In addition, 74% stated that they had purchased essential products more cautiously during the last year.
The indicators reflect how the search for savings is modifying competition on the shelves and expanding the opportunities of SME brands compared to leading companies.
Source: hoydia.com.ar
